In 1981-82 and earlier years, virtually all state grant aid was based on students’ financial circumstances. The share that was need-based declined gradually to a low of 71% in 2010-11. From 2013-14 through 2016-17, 76% of state grant aid was need-based.

Total spending on state grant aid increased from $9 billion (in 2016 dollars) in 2006-07 to $10 billion in 2011-12, and to $11 billion in 2016-17. (NASSGAP Annual Survey, 2006-07, 2011-12, and 2016-17)